Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell looks set to make his Championship debut for Hampshire this weekend.

The big-hitting one-day specialist has been named in the 13-man squad which travels to face fellow Second Division high-fliers Worcestershire on Sunday.

South African seamer Kyle Abbott, the county’s leading first class wicket-taker this season, is rested for the trip to New Road for a game which could be played in spin friendly conditions.

Opener Michael Carberry also returns to the four-day squad after missing leaders Hampshire’s last two Championship matches against Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

Young leg-spinner Mason Crane is another new inclusion in the Hampshire squad after a number of impressive performances in the Second XI.

Hampshire sit top after three impressive victories over Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Glamorgan.

And only the rain prevented victory in their last match against Derbyshire at The Ageas Bowl with Danny Briggs in particular impressing.

New Road has been spin friendly this year, with Pakistan ace Saeed Ajmal bagging 21 wickets in his only two outings for the county on home soil.

On his last appearance at New Road, Ajmal returned match figures of 13-95 against Essex, including a career best 7-19 haul in the second innings.

Ajmal – the number one ranked t20 bowler in international cricket – last yar signed for Hampshire but never appeared for the county.

The fact New Road has favoured spin was no doubt another reason to include Maxwell, who can act as a back up spinner to Briggs in the continued injuy absence of Liam Dawson.

Worcestershire won three out of their first five Championship matches, including a draw at Hampshire in their first game, but have drawn against Kent and Surrey in recent weeks. Hampshire enter the game unbeaten in their last 11 Championship matches.

Hampshire squad: Will Smith, Jimmy Adams, Sean Ervine, James Vince, Michael Carberry, Michael Bates, Danny Briggs, James Tomlinson, Matt Coles, Adam Wheater, Glenn Maxwell, David Balcombe, Mason Crane.